Become an Advocate

BEING AN ADVOCATE IS ABOUT USING YOUR VOICE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By educating the public, you change the way people think and talk about Irlen Syndrome. By educating leaders and communities, you help shape new laws and policies. All it takes is the passion to inspire change in your own community. Share your story and ask for change.

If you have been touched personally by Irlen Syndrome, or if you wish to make a change for the better for those who have been touched by this challenge, we hope you will join us in spreading the word. Understanding and awareness is the key to proper identification. Irlen Syndrome often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, resulting in academic struggles, damaged self-esteem, and unrealized life potential. Every person has the power to change a life.

Tell congress: write to your local congressman/woman and request changes to current policies that would make testing for Irlen Syndrome mandatory in academic settings

Tell your senators: contact state senators and lobby for change

Tell your school: reach out to your child’s teacher, principal, PTA and share your story. Use our Presentation For Kids and Classrooms to help your child explain Irlen Syndrome to his class and generate greater understanding and support within the school environment

Tell your doctor: share your experience and the changes you see in your child or yourself with your doctor. Encourage medical professionals to educate themselves on the topic by visiting the Irlen Website

DOWNLOAD OUR PARENT AND EDUCATOR TOOLKITS

Our toolkits will arm you with all the information you’ll need to know to start making a difference in the lives of people with Irlen Syndrome. Complete with definitions, explanations, research, and practical suggestions, these toolkits bring the knowledge of Irlen experts to your fingertips.

INDIVIDUALS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In fact, below are some of the policies and pending measures currently in existence thanks to advocates like you!
Mississippi, Massachusetts and Oregon have bills pending to require screening for Irlen Syndrome in all schools in these states. Alabama has recognized Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity as a learning disability and all recommendations including the use of Colored Filters must be allowed. The following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: Recording for the Blind, SAT, ACT, LSAT, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Indiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Texas Commission for the Blind, Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Wisconsin Vocational Rehabilitation.

In Australia, the following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: Department of Employment, Education & Training, Departments of Army, Navy and Air Force, Board of Studies-NSW, Board of Secondary Education-WA, Department of Children’s Services-WA, Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), Department of Rehabilitation, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

ADVOCACY: KEY TOOLS AND RESOURCES

These tools and resources provided by the National Center for Learning Disabilities were created specifically for inspiring positive change in the world of learning and attention issues, and most of the ideas and suggestions can be translated to specifically reference Irlen Syndrome.

LD Advocates Guide—a guide with tips on working with laws, politicians and the media to advocate for kids.

State of LD 2014—your source for the latest data and research on children and adults with learning and attention issues.